What is a good lightweight (hopefully cheap) video tripod for traveling?

[JacePhoto]

Hi all,

I know its impossible to have all three factors in one tripod but what's your advice?

I am hoping to look for something i can bring along w me in my traveling (back pack).

 

[Bamboopictures]

You can have your cake and eat it too if you mix-and-match the head and the sticks. My favorite travel combo:
Head: WF717+Acratech levellng base
sticks: Joby Gorillapod Focus or Cullman Video Magic2 flatpack tripod
The combo can handle 5kg load and can be hidden in a waist pouch. For taller options, Sirui and Weifeng have longer copies of the Cullman.

 

[kandinsky]

I've never heard of the Cullman, that's a really smart design.

 

[Bamboopictures]

One leg of the Cullman can be removed and used as a monopod. Not very sure if the Sirui or Weifeng version has the same function. Saw a Weiifeng clone once at Sgcamerastore.

 

[JacePhoto]

Thanks for the inputs. Cullman is indeed interesting.

just to define my 'usage'. I have a 60 cm Konova (solid metal), a Manfrotto 701 head and a D800 w a small lens. But all those add up to be about 3 kg or so. Worse when the camera slide to one end of the slider. When i use the conventional tripod mount w/o the bowl, the top is shaky and gives me an uneven footage.

The video tripod w the bowl helps a great deal.

1) Can i get the bowl and mount to a conventional tripod,
2) Is there a video tripod w bowl that is shorter and lightweight?

I saw the Sirui Video Tripod VT-2003. Seems ok for the firmness but its 800 mm long when closed and weights 3 Kg. haha. Hard for trekking in the mountains.

I hope to make it a combination for overseas traveling. Worse choice is if i cannot get light weight and good, i would go for cheap. hahaha.

Sorry for this newbie question.

 

[kandinsky]

Hmm... Once you throw a slider into the mix, it gets tricky.
Sometimes use a 80cm konova on an alu 190xprob. Will get wobble/shake at the extreme ends if I'm not careful.

If you expect to use the slider less than 50% of the time, I imagine the cheap route would be to get two tripods? You can use one for all your regular shots, and just pull out the other one for additional stability when you intend to use your slider. Weight will be okay (E.g., 2 x Cullmann Magic 4-Section Aluminum Tripod = 2.6kg), main sacrifice will be setup speed and manoeuvrability.

 

[JacePhoto]

Hmm... Once you throw a slider into the mix, it gets tricky.
Sometimes use a 80cm konova on an alu 190xprob. Will get wobble/shake at the extreme ends if I'm not careful.

If you expect to use the slider less than 50% of the time, I imagine the cheap route would be to get two tripods? You can use one for all your regular shots, and just pull out the other one for additional stability when you intend to use your slider. Weight will be okay (E.g., 2 x Cullmann Magic 4-Section Aluminum Tripod = 2.6kg), main sacrifice will be setup speed and manoeuvrability.

Thanks for the inputs. Let me try later

 

[Bamboopictures]

I usually use the the Manfrotto 458B with my konova slider. It has unique fast deploy legs that does not require any kind of lock. Just pull to desired length and it magically stays there. Very nimble and sturdy. (But not light). Alternatively, you can buy Joby Focus skates from cinetics and bring 2ft of narrow PVC cable trunking to use as a smooth track.

 

[JacePhoto]

Thanks Bamboopictures, Kandisky for the inputs.

I tried to use my (Both big and small) tripod w light stand/ monopod. Still it doesnt give me stability.

I think i will go for Sirui VT2003 with 75 mm bowl (SGD 290 + SGD 90) unless there is something i may have missed ;p

 

[Bamboopictures]

Such a tripod is a magnet for security guards overseas.

 

[JacePhoto]

Such a tripod is a magnet for security guards overseas.

Haha... Ya lor.

Am heading to Lhasa, Potala Temple. People may think i am a professional or an activist. haha.

Sigh... really dunno what to do.

 

[kandinsky]

That's a good point, to avoid unnecessary attention/hassle, you definitely want to look more tourist/hobbyist than pro.

Tibet Film Location Permits.
Filming in Tibet is strictly controlled by the Chinese government. Unsanctioned filming can result in arrest and future bans from entering China, not to mention serious problems for local Tibetans involved.

http://emergefilmsolutions.com/country/2743-2/

 

[JacePhoto]

ya, Kandisky. Haha.

I guess i would just aim for a tripod for local use. haha

 

[Bamboopictures]

You should give WF717 head a try. Cheap as chips, small and inconspicuous, and can be operated without the long handle. You'll be surprised how well it compares with Manfrotto 701.

 

[JacePhoto]

You should give WF717 head a try. Cheap as chips, small and inconspicuous, and can be operated without the long handle. You'll be surprised how well it compares with Manfrotto 701.

Ok. I will go check the stores!

 

[JacePhoto]

Hi BambooPictures, Kandisky,

I hit the stores and bought Manfrotto MVK502 AM legs w a sirui 75 mm base plate. It's certainly not cheap compared to the Sirui VT2003 that I originally intended to buy. But it's shorter and seem more portable.

It's smooth and set up time is fast.

Now my concern is how to carry it up the plane. Haha. It seems too fragile to be put in haversack to check in. Haha

 

[Bamboopictures]

Don't worry, it will survive the airport handlers. Just don't check in any camera. Many TV stations forbid their crew from checking in camcorders.

 

[JacePhoto]

Don't worry, it will survive the airport handlers. Just don't check in any camera. Many TV stations forbid their crew from checking in camcorders.

Actually the Manfrotto MVK502 AM isnt quite as rugged. To cut the weight to 2 kg, Manfrotto has used very hollow aluminum. By using my hand, i could effortlessly bend the legs. Its a weakness of that design. I guess i will use a tripod bag and try take a chance to hand carry it on board a plane. Then in worse situation, then pray for divine help. haha